# 2020-122 Medical and Dental Care, Medical treatment

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2021–05–25

The grievor grieved the medical care he received from Canadian Forces Health Services, which he claimed delayed the diagnosis of a mental health condition that led to his release from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). As redress, he requested an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of his medical condition and its contribution to his overall health. The Initial Authority found that the grievor's medical care was adequate.

The Committee thoroughly reviewed the grievor's medical records in accordance with the treatment recommendations provided in Canadian Forces Health Services Directive 5100-20, Mental Disorders - Medical Examination, Treatment and Disposition. It concurred with the Director Medical Policy (D Med Pol)'s medical review, corroborated by the grievor's civilian psychiatrist's expert medical opinion, that the grievor's early reported symptoms were not consistent with the diagnostic criteria of the mental disorder with which he was eventually diagnosed. The Committee noted that once the grievor displayed symptoms consistent with that diagnostic criteria, he was appropriately treated and assigned medical employment limitations (MEL).

The Committee concluded that the grievor's medical care, including the assignment of MEL, was appropriate, did not delay his diagnosis, and complied with applicable policy. It also found that the D Med Pol's review of the grievor's medical file constituted an investigation into the grievor's medical care as the grievor had specifically requested. The Committee accordingly recommended that the Final Authority (FA) not afford the grievor redress. 

FA Decision Summary

The FA, the Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation not to afford the grievor redress.